More News Headlines

Next-door neighbor William Langley said he was shocked when he saw La's young son outside by himself about 4:30 p.m. Monday after someone came knocking on his door.

"'I've seen them go out every once in a while, but they don't go past the sidewalk because there's somebody out in the yard, an adult," Langley told News4Jax.

According to the Jacksonville Sheriff's Office, the boy ran out into the middle of the street, in front of a truck, and the driver nearly hit him. Langley said the driver then knocked on his door, asking if he knew the child.

When Langley realized the boy's parents weren't home, he said, he immediately called police.

When officers arrived at La's home, police said, they found the boy running wildly in the front yard. Police said the fence outside the house was open, the door to the house was unlocked, and another child was alone inside, without any adults present.

According to the arrest report, La's husband eventually came home. He told police he thought his wife had dropped the kids off at their grandmother's before leaving for work.

Police later arrested La at her home.

The arrest report doesn't include details on why the children were left home alone. But whatever the reason, Langley said, it isn't good enough for him.

"I've got grandkids that age and I just can't see it," he said. "I just hope they learn their lesson."

Langley said the next time he sees children playing in the yard next door, adults better be there, too.

News4Jax spoke with La's husband off-camera on Wednesday and he said his wife is out of jail. He did not wish to comment, but said it's all a misunderstanding.